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MEMORIAL DISCOURSE 

DKLIVERED IN THE 

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 

NORAVICH, CONN,, 

DECEMBER IOTh, 1865, 

BY M^ M'r af T)A]SrA, 

PASTOTl OF THE CTIT'TICH. 
P U B I- I S H E D BY REQUEST. 



NORWICH: 

BULLETIN JOB P R I N T I X G OFFICE, 
1866 . 



" ^nkt d UtQxm est pa ptria m0ri. 



i: 



MEMORIAL 



JOHN IV. -.38. 
OTHER MEN LABORED, AND YE ARE ENTERED INTO THEIR LABORS. 

It has ever been a beautiful sentiment which has 
prompted mankind to honor their worthy and illus- 
trious dead. And so it has been customary in almost 
every age to celebrate their virtues and deeds in po- 
ems and eulogies, by monuments of granite, and 
statues of marble. The world can not afford to do 
without the memory of its benefactors. Whatever 
is noble and self-sacrificing deserves to be perpetua- 
ted. By the ordering of Providence, it is intended 
that the honored and useful should pass into his- 
tory; for sepulture was never synonymous with ob- 
livion. 

So invested is every human life with relations that 
give it significance and influence, that the words of 
sacred writ have special force ; — ^' For none of us 



MEMORIAL 



liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." 
Children mourn for parents. Communities lament 
the death of leading citizens. The demise of a Prince 
carries sorrow through an empire, or the sudden de- 
cease of a President drapes a Kepublic in sorrow, 
while for the fallen heroes, upon whose swords hung 
the destinies of nations the people grieve, and bear 
them in sadness to their burial. 

We never tire in our grateful tribute to our ances- 
tors, — who sought on this continent a new home, 
who endured the hardships incident to its settle- 
ment, and then cheerfully gave their lives to 
transmit it to us free. Eeady are our praises for 
their successors, who augmented what they inheri- 
ted, and bequeathed in turn to us with well guarded 
institutions of liberty and learning, the States they 
dwelt in and the Government they maintained. And 
it is in keeping with this just practice of the past, 
that we render our homage to those who have more 
recently sacrificed their ease and their lives to pre- 
serve all that we to-day possess. Through all these 
instances we observe the principle enunciated in 
the text, — other men labored ; we have entered 
into their labors. Others bear the burdens; we 



51 E M R I A L . 



enjoy the results. The}'- fought and fell; we live 
secure and prosperous. — It is the method by which 
all our benefits are procured. Every privilege costs 
some one a struggle. It is the solemn law of vica- 
rious sacrifice ; a law which pervades all nature, and 
penetrates even the realm of human existence. It 
is the deep mystery of all being, — the sacrificing of 
life to give l*fe. 

The decaying rock forms the soil in which the 
herb grows up. The corn of wheat dies, and out of 
this death comes the harvest-life. The layers of de- 
ciduous leaves shelter the tree-roots, and form the 
rich substance in which the j^oung shrubs start to 
vigorous growth. So, too, in the animal world, the 
hawk strikes down the dove; the smaller fishes are 
food for the larger ; myriad forms of higher life sus- 
tain themselves by preying on the weaker and more 
helpless ; and in like manner it is impossible for man 
to live, as it is for man to be redeemed, except 
through vicarious suffering. Every human being 
has its birth in this law of sacrifice. No blessing 
comes to man save through this law. Every country 
cleared for civilization and made attractive for hu- 
man abodes, cost the first settlers the hardships and 



M E iM O R I A L 



early death incident to pioneer life. For its inde- 
pendence of foreign rule, and a free government of 
its own, patriots must battle and die. For its preser- 
vation when assailed by traitorous hands, must the 
loyal-hearted contend. So that there never was a 
victory won, but those who took possession of the 
conquest passed over the bodies of the noblest slain. 
It is this which invests with sanctity every social 
and religious right, — for they were all the price of 
blood. The Christian Church, with its precious hopes 
and holy inspirations, was procured by the Blood of 
Christ, and has been perpetuated through the ages by 
the sacrifices of its martyrs and confessors. Civil free- 
dom has grown fastest when its roots were moist- 
ened by the blood of those who died in its behalf 
Truth itself has all the while advanced by planting 
its feet in the blood of friends, and anon in that of 
foes, swinging, like a mighty pendulum, from one 
joy to another disaster, while the hands on the dial- 
plate above show how steadily it has moved on. 

And when we remember all that was imperiled 
by the late rebellion, we shall anew appreciate the 
patriotism of those who stood for our defence. A 
high-hearted, puissant nationality, with its array 



MEMORIAL. 



of arts and industries, of laws and institutions, saved 
to us and our posterity ; — assuredly, if this be the re- 
sult of others' sacrifices, it exalts their worth and 
entitles them to our lasting gratitude. 

But when it is borne in mind that more than this 
was the consequence of their service, who will un- 
dertake to measure the debt we owe those fallen 
heroes. Our Nation — redeemed from the thralldom 
of injustice, shaking off the badges of its history's 
shame, appearing in its new power, like "the 
clear shining after rain," — is the monument to 
their great labors. The Eepublic anew committed to 
the Justice and Liberty which its founders had val- 
ued, made aware of the supremacy of principles over 
forces, is their memorial. And because of their 
achievements, its history to us will be nobler and 
more full of inspiration, while a share in their la- 
bors will all people claim. The progress of Liberty 
throughout the world has by them been made more 
rapid, and the foretokenings of the millenial day 
to be more certainly discerned. They have re- 
established our Liberties and our Government, and 
their exhilarating example abides to stir us to gen- 
erous emulation. Colossal evils, which had grown 



M E Til O R I A L . 



with our growth and threatened our national life 
have been overthrown, and new principles are in 
the ascendant. The banner of the nation waves once 
more over an undivided land, its unchallenged sove- 
reignty supreme from the Lakes to the Gulf. Insti- 
tutions which were the fairest bloom of the ages and 
the brightest promise of the race, their heroic cour- 
age and sacrifice have preserved intact. All this is 
the result of tlieir having labored and died, and this 
is the grand legacy they have left us to enjoy. 

We can win no more laurels in a war for self- 
defence; other hands have gathered them. Tons 
remains the duty of mastering the civil problems 
yet unsolved, and of fashioning the institutions 
w^hich are to mould the spirit of the nation. Their 
labors have illustrated the capacity of Christianized 
men to maintain a democratic government, — to hold 
a country in the interests of freedom, where the feet 
of slaves shall scorch no more the soil, nor the breath 
of traitors poison the air. They have vindicated 
before the world that a great nation has no right to 
die, and that unresisted assassination is virtual sui- 
cide. Through their prowess the unfulfilled prom- 
ises of the Fathers have been realized. 



MEMORIAL. 9 



As in times of peace we are not apt to weigh the 
sacrifices tliat it costs to procure our blessings, let 
our yet close proximity to these days of war and 
woe, serve to exalt our estimate of the noble spirits 
that stood in the place of mortal peril to preserve 
and perpetuate them. By the side of the patriots 
of the Eevolutiouj these latest defenders of the coun- 
try take their place. We cherish every memorial of 
such illustrious heroes, — we admire their patience 
and fortitude ; for every day of peace, with its new 
development of greatness to the land and glory to 
its institutions, proclaims the magnitude of those 
labors upon which we have entered. The story of 
their sufferings and successes shall take significance 
from the era of the nation's new birth and power. 

As Americans and as Christians we pay this 
slight tribute to the memory of our noble dead, and 
record our gratitude for what through them has 
given to life new joj^s and promise. As we gather 
the rich fruitage of the tree of Freedom planted by 
our fathers and defended by their chiklren, we here 
will not cease to remember those who went from 
our homes, — fi-om this Church and Sabbath School* 
Forever precious shall be the names of these our owil 

9 



10 M E ?tl O R I A L 



martyr heroes, who delivered us from peril, and 
made our peace more sacred and secure. Honored 
boys, who in the freshness of their opening man- 
hood were counted worthy to suffer and die, — their 
memory is embalmed in our hearts and their example 
inspires us to better life. While yet the dew of 
youth was on them, they cheerfully exposed their 
lives for our menaced rights, and by the casualty of 
battle have fallen martyrs to Liberty and Law. 
Henceforth none need be uncertain how far the loyal 
sentiment reaches and how much it carries vfith it. 
Our Constitution and Laws will be more sacred than 
we ever thought them to be; our very name and 
heritage more august. 

It is with the purpose of recalling their noble 
patriotism, and of commending their example to 
those who knew them vv^ell, that this Memorial has 
been prepared. It is a record that the Sabbath 
School with which these brave bojs were all at some 
time connected, may well prize. I remember what an 
impression the simple reading of their names pro- 
duced on me, as I lirst saw them inscribed on the 
Sabbath School walls, and encircled with evergreen. 
" Our brave hoj/s,'' was the sim]>le but touching in- 



MEMORIAL. 11 



scription over the names I have come personally to 
cherish with deepest reverence. Learning, moreover, 
that they were all Christian young men, I thought 
they were eloquent preachers of piety as well as 
patriotism to their surviving comrades. 

It seemed fitting, therefore, that now as the war 
has closed, and the principles for which they fought 
and fell are triumphant, some final tribute of grati- 
tude should be paid to their memories; and that we 
should seek to perpetuate, for the sake of the School 
and Church where they received religious instruction, 
the record of all they did and endured. One look 
upon the land their young valor defended, noting 
the happiness with which it is filled and the fame it 
has acquired abroad, will assure us that even the 
smallest testimonial to those whose sacrifices pro- 
cured all this, is not out of place. Many of 
those who hazarded their lives in the same 2:i*eat 
cause, have by a merciful Providence been permit- 
ted to return. They, with us, enjoy the fruit of their 
own labors and the labors of their comrades in 
arms. But those whose manly forms are missed 
from our assembly to-day, whose voices we no 
more shall hear in prayer and praise, — they who 



12 MEMORIAL. 



died, not having seen tlie end or enjoyed the vic- 
tory, we commemorate by this imperfect tribute of 
our grateful love. 

And while indulging in the recollections which 
cluster about these lives we watched and saw so 
early cease, let us remember that we have duties 
and obligations corresponding to the blessings pur- 
chased for us. Allowed to partake of the fruit of 
their patriotic toils, may we seek jealously to pre- 
serve and extend the principles for which they 
fought. Blessing God that they lived and labored, 
the remembrance of what they accomplished shall 
inspire in us a new courage concerning the future, 
and stimulate us to loftier achievement. Prompt to 
honor and commemorate our dead, may wo by our 
labors serve as much the country and its liberties 
for which they became willing sacrifices. A brief 
sketch of each of those who went from our school, 
and who never returned, will serve to awaken a new 
appreciation of their character and career. 

Sergeant James Torrance was the youngest son 
of a widowed mother, born Nov. 29th, 1841, near 
Edinburgh, Scotland. He possessed in a high degree 



■NI E M O R I A L . 13 



the qualities of self-reliance and integrity which char- 
acterize so generally the Scotch. With a bright earn- 
est face, a manly form, those who observed him in the 
Sabbath School class, or in the workshop, were at- 
tracted by his appearance. While there was nothing 
in it particularly striking, there was still a quiet 
earnest bearing which impressed you. At the first 
call of the Government for troops, lie promptly re- 
sponded, and went out with the Third Connecticut 
Eegiment, commanded by Col. Terry, and was in 
the Battle of Bull Eun. Ecturning with the regi- 
ment, he was not contented to remain at home. His 
heart was in the cause, and he longed once more 
to enroll liimself among the country's defenders. 
Though his mother sought to retain him by her side, 
reminding him that she was now dependent upon 
her boys, he still seemed to think it was her duty 
to give him up, and his to go. Balancing thus the 
claims of a beloved mother, for whom he cherished 
the reverent affection peculiar to those of his nation, 
and the claims of his adopted country, he was for 
some time in much perplexity as to the course to be 
pursued. 

Meanwhile, his mother noticed the boy's strong 



14 M E M O R I A L 



desire to enlist once more, and was not wholly un- 
prepared for the decision which brought him again 
to that step. " Mother/' he said, as nearly as his 
words can now be recalled, ^^ you know we have 
adopted this as our landj and we ought in this hour 
of peril to do something for the Government, and I 
think I ought to enter its service." The time had 
come, and sorrowfully, yet hopefully, the fond pa- 
rent replied, '' Jamie, if you must go, one condition 
I have to propose, — that you will read a chapter in 
this Testament, (handing him the coi)y,) when not 
on duty, every uight at nine o'clock, and your 
mother will do the same ; and so we Vvill remember 
each other." He assented to this, and in the Thir- 
teenth Kegiment, under the gallant Colonel, now 
Major General Birge, he soon took his departure for 
the Department of the South, under the command 
of Gen. Butler. The record of the regiment in New 
Orleans, where it was the body-guard of the com- 
manding general, and its subsequent career in the 
Port Hudson campaign, attest its high character. 
Young Torrance was regarded in his company as a 
brave and upright soldier, and his captain reports 
him as one of the most reliable in his command. 



M E ?.l O R I A L . 15 

Sabbath, April 27th, 1862, he united with the 
Eegi mental Church, partaking for the first time ot 
the Lord's Supper. It was in fulfilling the promise 
made to his mother, that he was thus brought to 
the Saviour. Throughout his journal, I find the 
frequent entry, — '' Eead my chapter this evening," 
and sometimes the statement, ^' omitted my chapter 
to-night in consequence of duty," or something else 
w^hich necessarily prevented him. Conscientiously 
adhering to what was right, he was one of the few 
men, says his captain, w4io kept his moral character 
unblemished. From his journal, 1 noted the scru- 
pulousness with which he attended divine service : 
and in one place he makes the entry, '• took the 
guard to a temperance meeting to-night." In many 
ways this regard for his own and others' moral and 
religious welfare, is revealed. Patient and perse- 
vering, he kept up his hope in the final triumph of 
the Grovernment over its domestic foes. 

His letters home abound in pleasant descriptions 
of all that he saw and experienced, and contain 
the evidence of an unaltered devotion to those from 
whom he was parted. After his religious change, he 
wrote more solemnly of the exposure of his life, and 



»1() MEMORIAL 



assured his mother " that now he was prepared for 
death.'^ Intelligently comprehending all the issues 
of the war, he as a Christian thought also of his own 
personal peril. And it seemed a relief to him, as it 
was a source of great joy to his anxious mother, 
that he had given his heart to Christ, and that now 
whatsoever might befall him, it would still be well 
with him. So his loyalty led him towards religion ; 
the two fires burning together, one helped kindle 
the other. Assuredlj^ there is a relation too deep for 
all to see between true loyalty and piety. Devotion 
to one's country, Avith its history, its laws, its hon- 
ors of the past, and its promises of a greater future, 
is kindred to the devotion martyrs have shown, 
when they sacrificed all for their faith. 

In the battles of Georgia Landing, Oct. 27, 1862, 
and of Irish Bend, April 14, 1863, the regiment saw 
hard service, and acquired a reputation for courage, 
steadiness and discipline, unsurpassed by any in the 
Department. In both these actions Sergeant Tor- 
rance acquitted himself with honor. Xot afraid to 
die, he was fearless in the duties of his position, and 
well seconded by his own example and achieve- 
ments the orders of his superior officers. On Sab- 



M E M R I A L . 17 



bath, May 24, 1863, was the assault on Port Hud- 
son, with the Thirteenth Eegiment in the advance, 
leading the charge. Just previous to the battle, 
Torrance remarked to a comrade : " The only thing 
I dislike in the service, is the being obliged to fight 
on the Lord's Day, at least commencing any en- 
gagement which could as well be postponed till after 
the passage of holy time." Eis early training, to- 
gether with the high national respect paid by his 
own race to the Sabbath, had brought him to re- 
gard it as strictly sacred time. Still, he had of 
course no option, and he took his position on the 
line of battle. The conflict was severe and pro- 
tracted, and though unsuccessful, it was not owing 
to lack of bravery on the part of the men. 

It was in this action that young Torrance received 
his death shot. After little more than a year's ser- 
vice, he fell, as the hero should fall, facing the foe 
and leading in the charge. He had staked all in his 
countr^-'s behalf, and died in her defence. His was a 
humble career, for it was a modest yet manly youth 
who lived it, who sought ambitiously for no per- 
sonal renown, but who was earnestly intent on the 

Government's deliverance. It was the career of a 
3 



18 M E M O R T A L . 



brave Christian boy, who with intelligent patriotism 
and unobtrusiv' e fidelity took his place in the ranks, 
counting not his own life dear if onl}^ the country 
might be saved. And just such noble unosten- 
tatious boys gave to our armies their constancy 
in a long and bloody struggle, and their final victory 
over a determined and vindictive foe. I confess 
to no slight admiration of those w4io so consci- 
entiously and quietly labored and sufi'ered for so 
glorious a cause. These inconspicuous heroes, un- 
heralded by the bulletins of generals, unknown as 
they stood in serried column, were our real deliver- 
ers ; and I honor every one who with a heart to 
feel, and a mind to understand the character of the 
conflict, fell fighting in the ranks. On the grave of 
every such private in an army of heroes, I would 
willingly place the cypress tribute, for such sac- 
rifice and valor secured the home and freedom so pre- 
cious to-day. 

His seat in the Sabbath School class is vacant, but 
his memory will be fondly cherished, for he honored 
us by his manly piety as well as his patriotic devo- 
tion. His humble home surrendered a precious of- 
fering to secure the greater '^ home of the free/' 



MEMORIAL. 19 



His brother, Colonel of the Twenty-ninth Colored 
Eegiment, who has so nobly distinguished himself 
in this contest, wrote to the mourning mother when 
he heard the sad intelligence that her son and his 
brother had fallen : — " Our starry flag where'er it 
floats will be dearer now to me, hallowed and con- 
secrated by a brother's blood. Let us give thanks 
that God has accepted our sacrifice, and that we are 
permitted to do and to suffer in the cause o? Liberty, 
Eighty and Truth ^^ 

Lieutenant Alfred M. Goddard was born in Ma- 
rietta, Ohio, June 19, 1836. His parents removed 
to Norwich when he was quite young, and here he 
grew up, developing a character of rare beauty and 
force. Leaving his home at an early age to com- 
mence life for himself, he for that reason was less 
generally known than othervvise he would have been. 
Yet in the home where a peerless devotion to those 
he most deeply loved distinguished him, by friends 
who were aware of his noble nature, he was held in 
reverent and afl*ectionate esteem. None knew him 
but to admire his earnestness of spirit, his command- 
ing self-reliance, his determined energy ; and all 



20 M E M O R I A L 



this tempered by a refinement and gentleness, which 
gave to his character unusual completeness. 

He was one of those choice spirits whose career 
is invested with all that can stimulate and instruct. 
Immersed, when quite young, in the cares and du- 
ties of a responsible business, he yet displayed a 
culture ordinarily looked for only in the man of let- 
ters. His criticisms on books that chanced to pass 
under his notice, betray a fine taste united with 
unusual analytic power. His journal while in the 
Pacific, abounds in the most graphic portrayal of life 
on ship-board, and on the Islands. Susceptible to all 
that w^as beautiful and grand in nature, his descrip- 
tions of scenery in the Tropics and of the changeful 
ocean, near and upon which so much of his life w^as 
spent, can hardly be surpassed. 

Entering, when still under age, the employ of 
Williams & Haven, of New London, Conn., he was 
by them sent out to the Sandwich Islands, and in 
connection wnth a Branch House, resided about 
five years at Honolulu. During that period he made 
several voyages to the Arctic Ocean, passing two 
years on McKean's Island, in the Southern Pacific. 
At the breaking out of the war, he was about 



M E M R I A L . 21 



leaving Honolulu for Mauritius. When the news 
reached him that hostilities had actually commenced, 
he was eager to leave at once for home, that he 
might enroll himself among those hurrying to the 
Government's defence; but such were his business 
engagements, that fidelity to his employers required 
the prosecution of the voyage. So, with a disap- 
pointed heart, he endeavored to do the work to 
which he was committed, though his thoughts were 
with the brave men who were already marshalled for 
deadly conflict with our foes. 

He writes in his journal as he started on this voy- 
age : '' I have been reading the Atlantic Monthly. It 
is all war. How is this? I am trying to do my 
duty, and yet a deathly sickness comes o'er mo 
when I think what a feeling of joy it would have 
given me could I have gone home and given up all 
for my country." At a later date he adds : '-' All my 
hope now is, that having chosen this path 1 may 
command myself and give my thoughts to the pres- 
ent, trusting that through some great good luck I 
may yet tind myself among the New England he- 
roes." AVho of us imagined that on the far Pacific 
main there was a heart beating with such lofty pat- 



22 MEMORIAL. 



riotism; reckoning as its chiefest trial that it could 
not share in our struo-o-le for national existence. 
And yet, like thronging doves to their windows 
came the patriots of our land, traveling homeward 
from every quarter of the globe that they might 
swell the hosts who battled for truth and freedom. 

He speaks at this time of the change in his views 
of life, — " It is so real, so earnest, and can be so no- 
ble." Then reverting to his country, he remarks, 
" 1 begin to think the war is the best thing which 
could have happened to us. I know it must stir up 
our young men to action and fill their veins with 
new life. I honor the brave fellows and am proud of 
dear old Connecticut. The spirit of our Puritan 
Fathers is not yet dead." 

While at Mauritius, hearing of his father's sudden 
death, young Goddard hastened back with the ut- 
most expedition that he might visit his bereaved 
mother and mingle with the afflicted family. Taking 
the East Indian route through the Eed Sea and Eu- 
rope, he arrived at his home in the fall of 18(52. He 
hoped then to enter the army and gratify thus the 
deepest longing of his heart. But his business en- 
gagements compelled him to go back once more to 



M E M O R I A L . 28 

the Sandwich Islands, and with great reluctance he 
turned his face toward the Pacific. He seemed at 
this time keenly sensitive lest his absence from the 
country while in so critical a condition should not 
be understood. Many are the journal entries which 
betray this fear. " If my choice could be recalled," 
he writes in one place, " 1 would go through any- 
thing to get upon the battle field.'' As indicative of 
his religious state while so full of the war-spirit, he 
says of his last Sabbath at Honolulu ; " Spent a pleas- 
ant hour at the Young Men's Praj^er Meeting, an 
hour I hope never to forget, nor the promises which 
my heart made while in communion with those dear 
friends in Jesus." He speaks also of the moral is- 
sues of the conflict, demonstrating his ardent love of 
liberty for all classes — ''It seems strange the coun- 
try should have been ruled so long by this small 
party. (Slaveholders.) But the time for a change 
has come, and I think the curse of slavery will now 
be removed from our beautiful land." 

Despatching with promptness his business at the 
Islands, and closing his connection with the firm he 
had served so long and well, he was enabled to re- 
turn home in May, 1863, Then the cherished pur- 



24 M E :\i O R T A L . 



pose of his soul seemed at length possible to be car- 
ried out. 

On the following July, he received a commission 
as First Lieutenant in Company B of the Eighth 
Connecticut Eegiment, but was at once detached for 
duty on the Staff of General Harland, the former 
Colonel of the Eighth Eegiment. In this capacity he 
rendered faithful service until March, 1864, when, at 
the request of officers and men, he rejoined his regi- 
ment. " It is a hard thing to do," says his diary, 
" but I am sure it is right." His associates on the 
Staff parted with him, not without the greatest re- 
luctance and the most genuine regret. To General 
Harland he was strongly attached, and by him in 
turn was esteemed as an able officer and a personal 
friend. The heart which had chafed so when busi- 
ness prevented his connection with the army, was 
still dissatisfied with the less arduous duties of staff 
officer, so he took his place in the ranks, and the 
long yearning of his heart seemed about to be ap- 
peased when the hardships and dangers of the field 
were to be his. 

March 13, 1864, the regiment, under command of 
Col. J. E. Ward, left its old camp at Portsmouth, 



MEMORIAL. 25 



Ya., and marched to Deep Creek, where it performed 
outpost and picket duty until April 13. Thence it 
was ordered to Yorktown, and was assigned to the 
Second Brigade of the Eighteenth Corps. Forming 
part of Gen. Butler's command, it was engaged in a 
reconnoisance of the enemy's lines before Peters- 
burgh. On the morning of May 8, the regiment led 
the advance in an attempt to press back the enemy. 
Forming in battle line, it repeatedly charged the 
foe, driving him before them, and continued fighting 
till the ammunition was exhausted and the regi- 
ment was relieved by order, receiving, as it returned 
from the bloody field, the cheers of the whole brig- 
ade. It was in this action that the fatal bullet struck 
Lieut. Goddard. While bravely fighting and cheer- 
ing on his men in this his first battle, he fell, mor- 
tally wounded. 

The day before, his entry in his diary, when it 
was apparent an engagement was imminent, was 
both touching and significant,—" And the Children 
of Israel prevailed because they trusted in the Lord 
God of their Fathers." The day of the battle, Sat- 
urday, May 7, he wrote :—" 7 A. M. we go to the 

front with only arms and ammunition." Before sun- 
4 



26 MEMORIAL. 



down he was borne from the field, and ere another day 
had gone, the knightly youth of high hopes and un- 
flinching courage passed away. Of his carriage on 
the day of battle, his captain writes : — ^^ He was so 
thoughtful and considerate, not rash or impetuous 
but cool and collected, ready for any emergency, 
willing for every duty." He had won in no common 
degree the esteem of officers and men, and his loss 
was felt by all. 

Upon the examination of his wound, he asked the 
regimental Surgeon whether it was likely to prove 
fatal, adding, at once, that he thought it must, in 
which opinion the surgeon was obliged to concur. 
Immediately he added: " Tell my mother that I die 
in the front, that I die happy. I have been a great 
sinner, but Jesus loves me, and I can trust him/' 
Eemoved to the Chesapeake Hospital, at Fortress 
Monroe, he lingered for little more than a day, suf- 
fering intensely but patiently. 

When the Chaplain asked him what he should read, 
he replied: '^Read that hymn ^ Just as lam, without 
one plea.' " All around him were affected by his he- 
roic endurance, and his perfect trust in Christ. To 
one beautiful thought he gave utterance, (wrote the 



MEMORIAL. 27 



regimental Chaplain,) when told he must die — " Then 
1 shall he free from temptation.^' And soon he was ; 
sinking into his peaceful rest, as the lengthening 
shadows indicated the waning day. Sweet rest he 
soon found, after a short life full of adventure and 
of noble toil. . 

Writes one who knew him well : '^ He was one of 
the few men whom I have known in my life whose 
steadfast honesty was proof against all temptations, 
and his varied life exposed him to not a few." An- 
other friend, intimately associated with him while 
in the army, wrote when news of his death was re- 
ceived : ^^How kind and unselfish he was. "What a 
sturdy champion for every thing just, noble, and 
right. How he loathed Oj^pression and injustice. 
How he loved his country." 

Few excelled him in the earnestness and unselfish 
devotion which so eminently characterized him. A 
whole hearted consecration to others' good, made 
his career beautiful and his death glorious. In his 
grand young strength God permitted him to die, 
and his death adds another to the list of heroes 
whose memory and example are the Nation's heri- 
tage. 



28 }.l E M O R J A L 



Adjutant E. Bex\jamin Culver was the only son 
of Benjamin and Adelaide Culver, born in the city of 
New York, Oct. 27, 1840. 

Through his school and business life he became 
w^ell known here, and by those most intimately ac- 
quainted with him, he was esteemed as a young man 
of more than ordinary excellence and promise. One 
of his early instructors speaks of him as the "peace- 
maker,'' while his teacher in Norwich, with whom he 
spent nearly a year and a half, mentions his marked 
truthfulness o£ chsLYSLCter. 

In the Sabbath School no face was more thought- 
ful, no heart more responsive to the appeals of the 
truth. By the superintendent he was regarded as 
one of those stable, upright boys, whom the Sabbath 
School not only benefits, but whose very presence 
gives character and success to the school. Earnest 
in all his views of life, it was a pleasure and a privi- 
lege- to teach him in reference to the things of 
heaven, while the same qualities made him a prized 
member of the little band first eno^ao^ed in the Mt. 
Pleasant Mission School. His personal appearance 
gave all the impression of youthful manliness. Gen- 
erous in his feelings and self-possessed in his man- 



^I E M O R I A L . 29 



ners, young Culver was the favorite of a large circle 
of friends. In the spring of 1859, after a season 
of unusual religious interest, he united with this 
Church, and maintained thenceforth a high char- 
acter as a faithful and devoted Christian. His re- 
ligious experience seemed to give new breadth and 
beauty to his life. Unassuming, and withal modest 
in his ways, his was a quiet, but earnest piety. He 
said little in public about it, yet his daily life wit- 
nessed to its power. 

His pastor says of this change in his character : — 
'* In pf^ssing from death unto life, he did not profess 
to experience any rapturous emotions of joy, any 
strong assurance of hope, but a placid, serene and 
humble consciousness of a new and living purpose 
of consecration to the service of the Saviour, and 
consequent delight in that service," His mother 
writes, that '' he was always thoughtful, and in early 
years was the subject of deep religious convictions. 
When but eleven years of age, so impressed was he 
by a sermon on missions, that he resolved to become 
a missionary, whenever old enough. This pur- 
pose he relinquished, only when faUing health indi- 
cated that he could not probably endure the labor 



30 MEMORIAL. 



incident to such a life. From this time, however, 
he became a careful student of the Bible, and it was 
these impressions which culminated in his public 
profession of Christ in 1859. 

As a clerk in the store of Lee & Osgood, he has 
left the reputation of rare fidelity and skill. Ener- 
getic and quick to learn, he mastered the business, 
and gave promise of great success. Between him- 
self and employers a warm attachment existed, bro- 
ken only by his early death. His admirable business 
qualities, as well as his personal worth, had attained 
for him a position not often reached by those as 
3^oung as he. 

When the Eighteenth Kegiment was forming, the 
duty of entering his country's service came to him 
with new force. Seeking the advice of friends and 
parents, he finally registered his conviction of what 
was duty, by enlisting. The purest of motives 
prompted him in this act, for it was when his earthly 
prospects were brightest that he entered the army, 
and his parents knew that at pecuniary sacrifice he 
remained in the service. He was moreover an only 
son, tenderly beloved, and relinquished more than 



M E IVI O R I A L . 31 



many in leaving father and mother at his country's 
call. 

In August, 1862, he left Norwich with the Eigh- 
teenth Eegiment, commanded by Col. William G. 
Ely. While stationed at Baltimore, Culver was de- 
tailed to act as clerk at the head-quarters of Gen. 
Schenck, Commandant of the Middle Department. 
His executive ability secured him the appointment, 
and so valuable were his services considered by the 
General, that he was retained some time after his 
promotion to the Adjutancy of the regiment. While 
in this position, in one of his letters he speaks of his 
dissatisfaction with such labor. Though it was safer 
and more lucrative than a soldier's service, still, he 
said it was not for this kind of work he enlisted. 
He was eager to engage in active campaigning — to 
meet the hardships and brave the perils of the field. 

He rejoined his regiment just after the unfortu- 
nate battle of Winchester, June 13, 34, 15, 1863, 
when the Colonel and a large proportion of the offi- 
cers and men were taken prisoners. His first letter, 
dated at Maryland Heights, spoke of " a disconsolate 
band" he had succeeded in gathering together, — the 
remnants of the splendid regimeut which had left 



32 M E 31 O R I A L 



Norwich less than a year previous. He furnished 
to anxious friends the first reliable account of the 
casualties of that action. Entering upon the duties 
of Adjutant, he proved himself at once a most effi- 
cient officer. 

In April, 1864, he returned home on a furlough, 
and many remember with deep interest that last 
visit. The campaign of the spring was about to 
open, and the indications were that there would be 
hard fighting. The earnestness with which Culver 
spoke of the increased perils showed his full appre- 
ciation of his own exposure, when he returned. 
Coming events appeared to have wrought an unu- 
sual thoughtfulness. And though he spoke calmly 
and with hope, it was with a half betrayed impres- 
sion that this would prove his last interview with 
Norwich friends. Side by side in our west gallery 
he sat with a brother officer, a worshiper as of old 
in this place of prayer. It was the last time he 
heard his Pastor's voice, the^last service he was to 
attend in the Church where he had confessed his 
faith in Christ, and enrolled himself as a disciple of 
the Saviour. 

At the last interview with his parents, his mother 



M E :m R I A L . 33 



remarked: ''You look care-worn, but I do not ask 
you to resign." He replied : " I could not be induced 
so to do, for, dear mother, calmly and deliberately I 
give my service, and my life if necessary, for my 
country. You remember the lines — 

* " For strangers into life we come, 
And dying is but going home." ' 

When he returned to his regiment, the army of 
the Shenandoah, of which it formed a part, had 
started upon its long and tedious campaign. At 
New Market, Ya., occurred the first engagement 
with the rebels. In this the Eighteenth Eegiment 
participated, losing fifty-six in killed, wounded and 
missing. The report of this battle was the last Ad- 
jutant Culver lived to make. Eetreating to Cedar 
Creek, Va., the army rested several days, and was 
reorganized under General Hunter, who relieved 
General Sigel. On May 27, equipped for rapid march- 
ing, the regiment, with the army, advanced with lit- 
tle opposition until arriving in the vicinity of Pied- 
mont, June 5, 18G4. A battle here ensued, resulting 
after severe and protracted fighting, in the total 
rout of the enem}^, and the capture of 1500 prison- 



34 MEMORIAL 



ers. Among the first mortally wounded on our side 
was Adjutant Culver. While engaged with the regi- 
ment in one of the earliest charges made that day, 
he was struck by a piece of shell and fell from his 
horse. 

Eemoved at once to the hospital, he died the fol- 
lowing day, June 6, 1864. He had fought his last 
fight, and received his death wound while joining in 
the charge which brought victory to our arms. 
What he had said he was Avilling to do, he was by 
the providence • of God permitted to do in thus 
cheerfully laying down his life for his country. 

So the youth whom fond parents had watched as 
he developed into all that was noble and pure, fell 
bravely fighting for our liberties and our land. One 
more name his death affords to the roll of heroes, 
whose generous self-sacrifice sanctifies the cause. An 
earnest Christian, a faithful clerk, a devoted patriot, 
he has left behind the record of a noble life. Through 
the casualty of battle he realized early and speedily 
the lines of his flivorite hymn — 

" Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee," 
and the future opened to him a new life of nobler 



MEMORIAL. 35 

aims and higher services. His firmly outlined in- 
tegrity, united with his quiet enthusiasm had made 
him to be loved by many, and in this city he long 
will be remembered. In this epoch of grand events 
he acted a noble part, and sincerely and bravely per- 
formed his every duty. 

Corporal Herbert E. Beckwith was born June 
23, 1845. A youth of a thoughtful but reserved 
temperament', he Avas not by all understood or ap- 
preciated. The wayward impulses of a character 
not yet matured, were by some mistaken for the 
choices of a wilfuU spirit. Yet all through his early 
years he exhibited some of the noblest traits possi- 
ble to youth, blended with much that was strange 
and interesting. Pondering with more than a boy's 
usual seriousness the subject of religion, he frequent- 
ly surprised them who knew him best by his earnest 
expression of the personal difiiculties he met with in 
trying to heed its claims. Under the appearance of 
an eager, spirited life, lay concealed the thoughtful- 
ness and lofty aspiration which really distinguished 
him. Many doubtless recall his slight form and 
pleasant face in the Sabbath School-room, where he 



36 M E I\I O R I A L 



was accustomed during the singing, to stand by the 
organ to work its bellows. 

Early in the war he manifested a strong desire to 
enlist, but his youthful age and the wishes of his 
parents for a while deterred him. Many thought 
him too young to endure tbe hardships of a soldier's 
life, but the excitement and novelty of such a career 
had a fascination for him, and, boy as he was, he too 
felt the stirrings of that mighty passion which can 
make of the youngest, patriots and heroes. Not 
that he at this time thoroughly defined his motives^ 
but it was more than idle curiosity that had made 
him wish to do Avhat he instinctively felt was noble. 
To have part in the mighty conflict, was his strong- 
est desire. He was a lad of noble impulses, and not 
unintelligently did he choose that his place should 
be among the brave defenders of his country. 

After some debate as to the wisdom of such a 
course, he enlisted Oct. 1, 1861, in the Tenth Eegi- 
ment, under Col. Eussel. For nearly two years he 
shared the fortunes of that noble regiment. He 
passed safely through the battles of Eoanoke Island, 
Newbern and Kinston. Through all this period till 
June, 1863, he acquitted himself well as a soldier. 



MEMORIAL. 37 



His fragile form, and boyish countenance frequently 
excited the wonder how he should have come into 
the rough scenes and stern experiences of military 
life. 

His Chaplain, Eev. H. C. Trumbull, testifies to his 
regular attendance at the regimental prayer-meet- 
ings, and on divine service. He appeared interest- 
ed, and in many ways assisted the Chaplain in ar- 
ranging for the different meetings to be held. Thus 
his influence and example were given to sustain the 
religious interests of the regiment. Undemonstra- 
tive in his feelings, it was his many kind acts and 
generally thoughtful manner, which indicated how 
much he valued the ministrations of his Chaplain. 

At his father's request, he was honorably dis- 
charged, June, 1863. His soldierly conduct had 
gained him the esteem of both ofliCers and men, and 
at the time of leaving he was to have been promoted 
to be Sergeant-Major. The remainder of the sum- 
mer he spent at home, restlessly debating whether 
he ought not to enter the army again. He knew 
now what a soldier's fare was, and for one so 3'oung 
had already acquired considerable military experi- 
ence. When proposing, therefore, a second time to 



38 M E M O B, I A L . 



enter the service, it was with higher motives and a 
better understanding of all it involved. Talking 
with his father about it, to the query : '^ suppose you 
are wounded or killed ?'' he replied: "It is glo- 
rious to die for one's country." And I doubt not 
that the training which had taught him to value our 
Government and the institutions of freedom, had 
wrought in him this willingness to do something for 
their maintenance. 

In November, 1863, be enlisted for the second time 
in the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. With 
this regiment he left for Norfolk, Ya., the following 
month, and was stationed at Camp O'Eourke, near 
the city. On the 10th of January, 1864, he was 
made Corporal, being detailed soon after as Orderly 
to the Adjutant. In February, the regiment was 
ordered to Plymouth, N. C, where it performed gar- 
rison duty, at Fort Wessels, one of the defences of 
that place. On the 20th of April Plymouth was at- 
tacked by the enemy in force, and after a determined 
resistance was captured. Young Beckwith, with his 
regiment, was among the prisoners taken. They 
were immediately marched off, and taken under 
strong guard first to Tarboro, and thence to Wil- 



MEMORIAL. 39 



mington, Charleston, and finally to Andersonville. 
Here five weary months were passed. Beckwith's 
journal gives his experience in that terrible prison- 
pen. It is substantially a history of suffering, cruel- 
ty and of every inhumanity possible to a desperate 
and unprincipled foe. '' This is a miserable place/' 
he writes in one place, " so little care is taken of it, 
especially of the sick, who die in large numbers." 
Exposure to the summer's scorching sun, and then to 
the night-dews, made its impress soon on the youth- 
ful soldier. It is painful to read of the struggle he 
and others had to make to live on the scanty and 
unwholesome rations dealt out there. On the 4th 
of July, he writes ; " This most glorious day has 
passed almost in misery, in the most miserable place 
almost on earth." Sometimes he speaks of rations 
of rotten bacon, and again of the non-issue of the 
usual rations. The tale of suffering is affecting to 
read, and 3^et no word of complaint escapes him. 
Of his personal sufferings and patient hopeful spirit 
friends at home knew comjjaratively little, till com- 
panions of his escaped from that Pen of Death, and 
told what they witnessed. Their account of his 
hopeful courage and resolute endurance, was most 



40 MEMORIAL 



full and touching. Unable to digest the only food 
furnished them, Beckwith was among the first to ex- 
perience the pangs of unsatisfied hunger. His calm 
relation in his diary of some terrible fact, such as 
the failure of water, or the appearance of disease, 
shows how the fearful schooling of these months had 
familiarized him with the most excruciating suffer- 
ing. Singularly reticent as to his own interior life, 
he notes usually whatever he sees of interest. The 
recurrence of the holy Sabbath appeared to make 
him long most of all for his Christian home. " At 
times," he says, " I fancy I hear the church bells in 
Norwich." 

Thus patiently the frail boy endured the weary 
confinement which was gradually consuming his 
strength, and destroying his health. Sept. 12th, 
1864, came the welcome news of deliverance through 
an exchange, and he left the prison, though with the 
signs of a not far distant death. Taken to Charles- 
ton, he with the rest was transferred to one of our 
transports, and brought North. December 24th, he 
reached Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md., and on the 
28th was removed to the hospital. Pale and weak, 
with his lungs almost gone, after the exposures in- 



MEMORIAL. 41 

cident to his prison-life, he went directly to his bed in 
the hospital, and died two days after, Dec. 30, 1864. 

The Christian woman whose lot it was to nurse 
the wearied soldier-boy, writes after his death : '^So 
feeble was he when he entered the hospital that he 
never spoke above a whisper. I questioned him as 
to his trust in his Saviour, asked him if he loved 
him, and whether he was willing to submit to His 
holy will, whether he should live or die. To all my 
questions he assented with a nod and a very sweet 
smile." So passed away the young veteran, not 
yet twenty years of age. By his services and his 
sufferings he honored his country. He died with a 
Christian's trust, and with a patriot's spirit — spared 
by a merciful providence till he reached friends and 
was under the old flag, — then the war-worn youth 
concluded his earthly campaigns, and like a tired 
child he sank to sleep, his day of duty ended. 

Tidings of his arrival at Annapolis reached his 

parents too late for them to reach there before he 

died. His only wish was that "■ he might see his 

mother,'*' and oftentimes the kind stroke of the 

woman's hand who watched him during his last 

days, would remind him of that other hand whose 
6 



42 MEMORIAL. 



touch he knew so well; and too weak to speak, he 
could indicate by a smile what he thought. His re- 
mains were brought home for interment, and all who 
looked upon the emaciated frame and saw the young 
face so traced with the lines of pain, received a new 
impression of the magnitude of some of our soldier's 
sufferings. Strange seemed the providence which 
had called the youngest and frailest of all who went 
from our School, to such an ordeal of hardship and 
suffering. Yet it was an ordeal which the delicate 
youth heroically passed through, dying a Christian's 
death, and without a murmur at the lot which had 
been his. 

Captain James E. Nickels, was born in the town 
of Cherryfield, Maine, July 14, 1843. He was left 
an orphan at an early age, and having an aunt re- 
siding in this Cit}^, he came here in the year 1857, 
and attended school. In the winter of 1858, during 
a season of religious interest in the Central Baptist 
Church, he became personally interested, and re- 
quested the prayers of Christians in his behalf 
These prayers he believed, as he afterwards publicly 
stated, Clod graciously answered to the salvation of 



MEMORIAL. 43 



his soul. Quite young at the time, his experience 
was not without many misgivings, but his subse- 
quent career seemed to give every evidence that he 
had become an earnest Christian. 

In the Spring of 1859, he entered the employ of 
K. M. Haven, and became a member of his family. 
At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Captain 
(now Brig. Gen.) Harland's company, of the Third 
Connecticut Eegiment,and passed creditably through 
the three months' campaign. His coolness at the 
Battle of Bull Eun was noticed, wdiere his company 
was one of the very few that suffered any casualties. 
Keturning to his former business, he devoted his 
spare time to the study of military tactics. Such, 
however, was his patriotism, as well as his fitness 
for army service, that he could not remain content- 
edly at home. 

He enlisted as a private once more in the Four- 
teenth Eegiment, under command of Col. Dwight 
Morris. Offered the position of Lieutenant, he de- 
clined it in favor of one who had gotten more re- 
cruits than he, accepting the rank of First Sergeant. 
In less than a month, with little preparatory drill, 
or familiarity with actual service, the regiment was 



44 MEMORIAL 



ordered to join the Potomac Army, and to take part 
in the bloody battle of Antietam. In December 
following it was in the fight at Fredericksburgh, 
where fourteen out of eighteen officers were killed 
or wounded. Nickels soon received the commission 
of Lieutenant, and in November, 1863, was promo- 
ted to the Captaincy of Company I. Up to this time 
his regiment had been almost constantly in active 
service. In the campaign of 1864, he passed through 
the terrible battles of the Wilderness unharmed, 
leading his regiment in a brilliant charge at Cold 
Harbor, for which he was complimented by the com- 
manding General. 

This hitherto uninterrupted career of success was 
terminated by a severe wound received in August, 
1863, in the struggle for the possession of the Wel- 
don Eailroad. He was left on the battle-field, 
where he escaped being made a prisoner, because 
supposed to be dead. In the night, missed by his 
comrades he was sought out, and by the Adjutant 
and one other member of his company, was carried 
in the darkness a distance of eight miles. Thus, by 
the devotion of these friends was he brought within 
our lines. Taken to City Point, he was thence re- 



M E iM O R I A L . 45 



moved to Armory Square Hospital, Washington. 

Here, after a lingering illness, relieved at times 
by hopes of recovery, he died Feb. 20, 1865. During 
this long illness of nearly six months, he maintained 
a cheerful, patient spirit. His earnest wish was that 
he might regain his strength and return to the field, 
though he added : " I am not afraid to meet death." 
Nil He looked upon all his sufferings as for the best, and 
sought bravely to suffer, if no longer he could do 
God's w^ill. A few days before his death, says his 
aunt, when I told him his situation, and pointed 
him to Christ, he replied : " It is all right with me ;" 
and soon he was loosed from his sufferings, and 
closed his young life calmlj^ with a Christian's hope. 

In his regiment, his gentlemanly conduct, his sol- 
dierly ability, his pure patriotism, had gained him a 
high reputation. As an officer he distinguished him- 
self from the first, and by unquestioned merit, 
though among the youngest in the regiment, rose 
to be senior Captain. Modest in his bearing, his 
tact and courage were remarked by many. A brother 
officer of his regiment bears this noble testimony to 
the young soldier: "I never knew an order Capt. 
Nickels hesitated to obey, or the emergency he w^as 



46 MEMORIAL. 



unequal to fill." In his hospital life he was watched 
over by his aunt and brother, and during this weary 
confinement, exhibited a cheerful, trustful spirit. In- 
to twenty-one short years this orphan boy crowded 
a life-time of noble deeds. He left behind the name 
and record of a Christian patriot. His short career 
was a brilliant and useful one ; and none think of him 
now without grateful acknowledgment of all that 
he was permitted to do. Of his appearance in the 
Sabbath School, his teacher writes : "Young Nickels 
was a very pleasant scholar, quiet and thoughtful, an 
attentive listener, very seldom absent from his seat, 
and unusually observant of the proprieties of the day 
and place. This recollection of him is distinct — that 
he was not one of those whose attention was so easily 
diverted as to task all the teacher's ingenuity in or- 
der to keep his mind to the business of the hour. 
He was never forward to express his thoughts, 
but when he did so, it was because he had thoughts 
to express. This was especially noticeable on one 
of those first exciting Sabbaths after the war com- 
menced, when he told of his fixed determination to 
take a personal share in the struggle. It was hardly 



MEMORIAL. 47 



expected by me, considering his seeming frailty of 
body, and his usual undemonstrative manner." 

Faithful in the store, he was esteemed by his em- 
ployers, while as a soldier of his country he gained 
his brightest laurels in its service. Eescued from the 
mediocrity which envelopes so many names, this or- 
phan shall be made known to fame ; for holy impul- 
pulses of patriotism and heroic suffering have exal- 
ted his memory and his achievements. Such heroes 
gave to our struggle its sacredness ; such sacrifices 
endear every privilege we through them obtain. 
God seemed to accept these young defenders of a 
country he has so marvellously befriended, — for in 
all these instances, none were left to die uncheered 
by the anticipations of Heaven. 

Such were the brave youth who went from our 
School and Church to battle and die for the country. 
Such was the patriotism which we may gratefully 
believe was helped in its development by the relig- 
ious inspiration gained here. Eegretfull}^ as we 
may sometimes think of these young men so early 
sacrificed, yet the cause they served, the results their 
sacrifice helped to secure, compensate in a measure for 
our bereavement. Such a record as they have left 



48 31 E M O R I A L . 



of piety blended with patriotism^ honors us. Their 
history is a beautiful testimony to the spirit which 
characterized our Church and School during those 
years of peril and sorrow to the nation. Surely, to 
cherish the memory and example of these young 
heroes should be our grateful duty, and will not be 
unprofitable. 

"VYe have not mentioned Charles E. Breed, who 
dying after discharge from the service, thus fails to^ 
come within the scope of this Memorial. Nor have 
we spoken of others who were spared by a protect- 
ing providence to return to us; though the survey 
of all that they attempted and accomj^lished is 
fraught with most stirring interest, exciting our 
reverent affection and just pride. 

Not many Schools of Christ can show a nobler 
record of unselfish devotion, high-hearted patriot- 
ism, and splendid achievement. Especially would 
we render our tribute to the brave boys who fell 
fighting in our defence; and though their graves 
are not all with us their memories linger, sacredly 
embalmed in all our hearts. How grand is our his- 
tory when seen through the medium of such lives 
as these. How precious the new Freedom won by 



MEMORIAL. 49 

their patriotic valor. Eeviewing at a glance the 
trophies of these crucial years, it is plain that the 
death of these young men was not a vain sacrifice. 
Their courage has attained for them a renown which 
will never grow old; their achievements have given 
new glory to the land, new value to the Government. 
The benign institutions which are the dear purchase 
of their blood, perpetuate their fame, and press home 
upon us our solemn obligations. Henceforth all 
who deny that our liberty can be combined with 
law, justice and the advancement of happiness, we 
point to these names. Those who doubt whether 
our Government can produce exaltation of soul and 
loyalty to what is just, we refer to the achieve- 
ments of these heroes, who went forth in their young 
strength to do battle for sacred but imperilled rights. 
Beautiful in the Christian hope each cherished, hero- 
ic in their patriotic services, happy in their early but 
triumphant deaths, — what a record they have left 
behind. 

It is well and fitting, therefore, that we enshrine 
in Memorial phrase, names that will ever live as 
symbols of nobleness, as signs of endearment. Beau- 
tiful the life and true, that leaves holy deeds to wit- 
ness that it has been. 
7 



50 MEMORIAL. 



And so long as our own now prosperous national- 
ity exists, with the dust of heroes in its soil, with 
its examples of the prowess of the past, and its pro- 
phetic visions of the future, so long will these young 
patriots be remembered. 

Though these rare hearts have stilled forever 
their fevered beating, and faces yet traced with tears 
of bereavement show they are mourned, still will 
we thank God they were permitted to toil, to suifer, 
and to die. Nobly they labored, and with holy grati- 
tude we enter into their labors. Wiser laws, hu- 
maner institutions, liberties enlarged and faith exal- 
ted — these are the crimsoned trophies their blood, 
with that of others, secured us. These shall pro- 
claim in a language more expressive than human lips 
can utter, in forms more significant than sculptured 
marble can exhibit, the worth and memory of the 
young men who sowed in weakness the harvest we 
raise in power. 

Let the voice of our brothers' blood cry to us from 
the ground, kindling in every heart a chastened but 
resolute enthusiasm to extend through the land the 
blessings of our regenerated liberties. Let a frater- 
nal spirit awaken a new emulation in advancing all 



MEMORIAL. 51 



the great branches of industry, in promoting the 
free institutions of Government, and procuring es- 
tablishments for education, charity and moral im- 
provement, in teaching a better religious faith and 
a greater consecration to what is just and pure. 

«*How sleep the brave who sink to rest 
With all their country's wishes blest ! 
When Spring with dewy fingers cold, 
Returns to deck their hallowed mold, 
She there shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than fancy's feet have ever trod. 
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay — 
And Freedom shall a while repair, 
To dwell a weeping hermit there." 



APPENDIX. 



Charles Edward Breed was born in Norwich, Sept. 19, 
1845. Without any thing of note to mark his early days, he had 
quietly yet faithfully met the duties of school and business life. 
At the beginning of the war he manifested an earnest desire to en- 
list in his country's service, but feeble health and the wishes of 
friends deterred him. Still retaining his interest in the cause he 
from the first desired personally to aid, he finally decided, with the 
consent of his parents to enter the navy, in April 1864. Not able 
even then to endure a soldier's hardships, he hoped to be of some 
service to the Government on one of its vessels, while also antici- 
pating that the sea-air might benefit his health. With a gener- 
ous feeling that what he could, he ought to do, he took his place 
on the ship, and by faithful unpretentious duty rendered his share 
in the crushing out of rebellion. The exposures and labors of 
his position, however, proved too much for his strength, and re- 
luctantly, though after persistent trial, he was obliged to seek dis- 
charge from duty. He came home in February of '65, with the 
symptoms of fatal disease. Lingering till the following April, he 
grew weaker and weaker, when, like the expiring taper, his life 



54 APPENDIX. 



quietly went out. So gradually and yet certainly he came to his 
end, that from almost the first he and his family gave up all hopes 
of recovery. Young in years and delicate in appearance, his was 
a short career ; but we can not forget even the brief service of 
those whose patriotic purposes exceeded their powers of execu- 
tion. Like many other wearied and weak ones, the war has- 
tened the consummation of the life that but for it, might have 
been prolonged. The fire of a noble patriotism consumed some, 
as exhausting toil broke down others. But better the purpose, 
though it find but partial realization, than length of days unsanc- 
tified by any lofty aim. God often removes those who have early 
planned for useful living, while he waits long for others to make 
even the faint beginnings of true devotion. Heaven will thus 
behold the full fruitage of many lives from which earth anticipa- 
ted benefits. 



APPENDIX. 55 



NAMES OF ALL WHO WERE IN SERVICE FROM THIS SCHOOL AND 
CONGREGATION. 

The following are the names of all those who entered the army 
or navy, and had been previously connected with the Congrega- 
tion or Sabbath School. The dates when they enlisted and 
when they were mustered out of service are given, together with 
the rank they held at the time the latter occurred. 

A large proportion began their military career as privates, or 
non-commissioned officers, and earned their promotion by their 
ability and courage in the field. All will regard it as a noble 
record of patriotic achievement. It is moreover quite remark- 
able that out of so large a number sent forth to battle for their 
country, so few were killed ; for all the regiments with which 
these young men were connected met severe service, and many 
were the hardships personally encountered. The experience of 
some who have returned attest how much was suffered by our 
soldiers; for they were in perils by the sword, by prison, by 
weariness, by cold, on sea and land. Several lived through the 
horrors of the " Andersonville Pen," and others endured long 

confinement in Libby Prison. 

The fruits of their own labors God has kindly permitted them 
to behold and enjoy. They survive a conflict, the magnitude of 
which time will disclose, and the full significance of which other 
ages will see. They have borne an honorable part in a contest 
which has done more than any other history records, to establish 
human liberty and popular government. A share in the bless- 
ings their invincible valor procured is their happy lot, and the 



56 AP P E N D I X 



country for which they have fought will be endeared to them as 
to no others. 

The consciousness of having done their duty must in every 
case increase their enjoyment of present and future civic privi- 
leges. Their brave deeds will not soon be forgotten, while all en- 
tering into their labors will cease not in grateful remembrances 
of their toils and sufferings. The cause they shone in, is itself 
immortal, and their names forever blended with it, can never pass 
away: 

Samuel T. C. Merwin, Capt. Apr. 22, 1861, June 27, 1865. 

Wm. G. Ely, Col. " " Sept. 18, 1864. 

David Young, Lt. Col. May 7, 1861, Aug. 7, 1861. 

Frank. S. Chester, Capt. •* " " " 

Joseph H. Jcwett, Adj't. " " Dec. 12, 1865. 

Francis McKeag, 2d Lt. " «' June 27, 1865. 

James McKee, Serg't. . " " " " 

Henry F. Cowles, 1st Lt. " " May 15, 1865. 

James R. Nickels, Capt. May 11, 1861, Died Feb. 20, '65. 

James Torrance, Serg't. " " kill'd May 24,'63. 

Parris R. NiCKERSoN, Corp. " " Aug. 12, 1861. 
H. W. BiRGE, Brevet Maj. Gen. May 23, 1861, Oct. 1865. 

John A. Beckwith, Sept. 21, 1861, Sept. 20, 1864. 

Herbert E. Beckwith, Corp. Oct. 1, 1861, Died Dec. '30, 64. 

Charles M. Coit, Capt. Oct. 5, 1861, May 30, 1865. 

James E. Fuller, Capt. Apr. 24, 1861, res'd July 6, 1865. 

Edwin F. Hinckley, Oct. 26, 1861, Nov. 3, 1862. 

Silas W. Sawyer, Capt. Oct. 30, 1861, res'd. Feb. 16,'64. 



APPENDIX. 67 



Chas. Farnsworth, Lt.Col. Nov. 26, 1861, res'd.May 17,'64. 

Alfred P. Rockwell, Col. Jan. 21, 1862, Feb. 9, 1865. 

Alfred Mitchell, Capt. Feb. 18, 1862, res'd.Mar. 11,'64. 
William P. Miner, 1st Lt. " " July 16, 1864. 

Bela p. Learned, Maj. Mar. 12, 1862, Sept. 25, 1865. 

Frank S. Bond, Major. March, 1862, Nov. 10, 1864. 

Alvan Bond Fuller, May, 1862, May, 1865, 

Henry P. Goddard, Capt. June 11, 1862, res'd. Apr. 26,'64 . 

Leonard Simons, Aug. 23, 1862, June 10, 1865. 

Isaac W. Hakes, Jr., Capt. July 12, 1862, res'd. Dec. 26,'62. 
Wm. C. Hillard, Hosp'l. St'd. July 14, 1862, Nov. 26, 1865. 

David Torrance, Lt. Col. July 17, 1862, Nov. 24, 1865. 
Anthony Adams, " " June 27, 1865. ' 

Joseph P. Rockwell, Capt. July 26, 1862, '< «' 

E. Benjamin Culver, Adjt. " '* killed June 6, '64. 

George W. Loomis, Serg't. " " June 27, 1865. 

Christopher A. Brand, 1st Lt. " " res'd. Feb. 23, '63. 

D. W. Hakes, Capt. and Com. Aug. 4, 1862, .Tune 17, 1865. 

Henry K. Sparks, Aug. 5, 1862, June 27, 1865. 

Geobge Coggswell, Serg't. Aug. 6, 1862, '♦ " 

James N. Clark, Aug. 25, 1862, Aug. 17, 1863. 

Stephen B. Meech, Adj't. Aug. 30. 1862, " " 

SuBERT M. Porter, *' " " " 

C. B. Webster, A. A. Surg, Dec. 24, 1862, Sept. 11, 1865. 

Alfred M. Goddard, 1st Lt. July 24. 1863, died May 9, 1864. 

S 



58 MEMORIAL 



George W. Htjisitington, 

U. S. N. Paymaster, Oct. 30, 1863, Nov. 21, 1865. 

Amos D. Allen, U. S. N. Pm'r. Nov. 1, 1863, Sept. 5, 1865. 
C. E. Breed,U. ^. N. 3d.Eng'r. April 14, 1864, died Apr. 17, '65. 
Joseph Abbe, Mar. 22, 1864, May 30, 1865. 






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